Owner financing can either be for the full purchase price or it might just be for a percentage of the purchase price. When sellers do owner financing, they usually require a mortgage on the property. Owner financing is also a way for a seller to get a premium price for the property, often times one that would be unlikely that the investment property would appraise for. Ask yourself why would a seller carry a mortgage? Sometimes they are left with little choice, and it’s either sell quickly using owner financing, or leave the property on the market and chance a decline property value.
There is no rule or restriction that owner financing be limited only to traditional residential Las Vegas investment property. Indeed, a vast host of property types including land and real estate, commercial property and what have you. Some of the conditions under which owner financing may be concerned include situations when the property is not moving fast in the market or if it is in a rather dilapidated condition. Owner financing is the process where the owner extends credit to the buyer without the intervention or involvement of banks or financial institutions. It has been observed empirically that owner financing is more common among investors as compared to homeowners.
In owner financing the seller is helped while steady cash flows are generated and one can set terms like interest rate as well as payment terms too. This is thus a way in which win/win is ensured for all the concerned parties to the deal. In many cases, people are wiling to have the seller of the potential property help with the finances, which means that the owner doubles up as the bank too. Terms and conditions are laid out and agreed upon. The buyer pays off the amount according to the terms of the deal without having to go to the bank. There is an option of varying the quantity of payments and this is duly mentioned in the terms and conditions of the contract.
When it comes to owner financing, the seller generally asks for a higher down payment than mortgage lenders. However, the interest rate would be lower than what a traditional lender would charge on typical investment property, where owner financing would come from an entrepreneur’s savings.
Interest rates on investment property are variable, based upon the Prime rate, with spreads set by financial institutions. Typical spreads are 1.50% to 2.50% over prime, with lower rates to investors with stronger historic debt service coverage. Interest rates of these institutions vary. For getting lower rate, some research work becomes inevitable. Owner financing eliminates this research, as most sellers will agree to a percentage point or more below prime, with a few cases setting up zero interest financing.
If you want to sell off your investment fast and also get a high rate for it, it makes sense to offer owner financing. You may also be able to get first mover advantage and better prices as owner financing makes your property much more attractive to prospective buyers. At the same time, it could also mean that your property is one of the first ones to get sold in the local property market. All of which makes owner financing a very advisable and popular proposition in times like these.
Eddie Dean uses Las Vegas investment properties to fuel his desire to become a poker champion. He also tutors individuals on the side about passive income using investment property.